ABSTRACT
Background: There are several methods for counting platelets, of which the international fl ow reference method (IRM) is considered to be the gold standard. We compared the platelet count given by this method to the count given by automated analyzers using other methods, such as optical fl uorescence and impedance. Aims: The aim of this study is to compare the platelet counts obtained by Sysmex XE 2100 by Impedance (Sysmex-I), optical fl orescence (Sysmex-O) and reported (Sysmex-R) based on the switching algorithm and LH-750 by Impedance (LH-750) with the IRM in thrombocytopenic blood samples. To calculate the sensitivity, specifi city, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of various technologies at the clinically relevant transfusion thresholds of 10 × 109/l and 20 × 109/l. Materials and Methods: A total of 118 blood samples with platelet count of <50 × 109/l were selected for the study. Platelet counts of all samples were analyzed by all methods using the Sysmex analyzer, LH-750 and IRM in parallel within 6 h of collection. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation, bland Altman analysis, sensitivity and specifi city, PPV and NPV. Results and Conclusions: Sysmex-R had the least Bias and 95% limits of agreement (95%LA) range and thus correlated best with IRM values. LH-750 had a higher Bias compared to Sysmex-O and Sysmex-R, but a strikingly similar 95% LA ensures similar results in all three methods. In fact, in the oncology subset, it had the narrowest 95% LA, which made it the best performer in this subgroup. Of the three Sysmex results, Sysmex-I had the highest bias, widest 95% LA and highest potential risk of over transfusion. Hence, Sysmex-R and LH-750 were found to be reliable tools for estimation of platelet count in thrombocytopenic patients.
ABSTRACT
Lack of knowledge and awareness about tuberculosis (TB) as well as Direct observed therapy short course (DOTS) area persistent and major community problem due top which suffering and mortality rate increases tremendously. So it is responsibility of pharmacists to develop a common awareness for prevention, care and treatment of TB in the community. This survey is strictly based on assessing the awareness about TB among undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students of nonmedical stream in Institute of Foreign Trade and Management Ahmednagar (MH) India. In the present study 59.41% were male and 52.78% were female, 60.81% P.G. students and 54.31% U.G. students were answered among them. It represents that male student’s awareness were higher than the female students. The survey results also revealed that both U.G. and P.G. students of H.S.B.P.V.T., C.O.P. &.C.O.M. possed very poor knowledge about type of TB. Multi drug resistance (MDR) & mantaux test and the knowledge of UG students was very poor as compared to PG students. Pharmacists should realize their role in health education programs in the community to improve the public awareness about the health burden diseases like tuberculosis.